A green roof transforms your commercial rooftop into a living ecosystem that delivers measurable environmental and financial returns. Marlex Roofing designs and installs both extensive (low-maintenance, sedum-based) and intensive (deeper, garden-style) green roof systems built on high-performance waterproofing membranes. In Edmonton's climate, properly designed green roofs provide superior insulation value, significantly reduce stormwater runoff, extend the waterproofing membrane life by protecting it from UV and thermal stress, and may qualify for municipal stormwater credits. They also improve air quality and create usable amenity space for tenants.
A green roof is a roofing system that incorporates a waterproofing membrane, drainage layer, growing medium, and vegetation on a flat or low-slope roof. Extensive green roofs use shallow-rooted plants like sedum and require minimal maintenance. Intensive green roofs feature deeper soil and can support a full garden. Both systems reduce stormwater runoff, improve insulation, and extend waterproofing membrane life by shielding it from UV and thermal stress.
Yes, with proper design. Extensive green roofs using cold-hardy sedums and succulents perform well in Edmonton's climate. The vegetation goes dormant in winter and regenerates in spring. The insulation and thermal mass provided by a green roof actually helps manage Edmonton's dramatic temperature swings. Marlex Roofing engineers each system with appropriate drainage, root barriers, and plant selection for Alberta conditions.
Edmonton's Stormwater Management credits may apply for buildings that significantly reduce runoff. Green roofs can contribute to LEED certification, which can increase building value and attract premium tenants. Some commercial property owners also benefit from reduced HVAC operating costs due to the green roof's insulating effect.
Extensive green roofs (4–6 inches of growing medium with sedum-based vegetation) typically cost $20–$30 per square foot installed in Edmonton. Intensive green roofs (deeper soil, broader plant palette, possibly accessible amenity space) range from $30–$60+ per square foot depending on structural reinforcement requirements. Costs are offset over time by extended membrane lifespan, stormwater credits, and reduced HVAC operating costs.
The waterproofing membrane beneath a properly designed green roof typically lasts 40–50 years — roughly double the lifespan of an equivalent exposed membrane — because the vegetation shields it from UV degradation, thermal cycling, and physical damage. The growing medium and plant community are essentially permanent with periodic maintenance (weeding, occasional irrigation in extended drought, replanting bare areas).
Extensive green roofs add approximately 15–35 lbs per square foot when saturated, which most modern commercial structures can accommodate without reinforcement. Intensive green roofs add 80–150+ lbs per square foot saturated and almost always require a structural engineering review and often reinforcement. Marlex Roofing engages a structural engineer early in design to confirm load capacity before any green roof installation.
Marlex Roofing serves Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, and Leduc, Alberta. Call (780) 232-4973 or email info@marlexroofing.ca for a free, no-obligation estimate. Every project is backed by a 5-year workmanship warranty.